Ronaldo Hails Messi After Argentina Retirement

Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to Lionel Messi following the Argentine’s retirement from international football, acknowledging a career that spanned more than two decades.

Messi played his final match for Argentina on Tuesday, scoring once and setting up two more goals in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin in Buenos Aires.

Afterwards, the 39-year-old called it “the saddest day of my career.”

Responding to Messi’s Instagram post on Wednesday, Ronaldo wrote, “Leo, so many years defending your country and a story that will live on forever. You have all my respect for everything you’ve achieved with Argentina. A hug.”

The comment was reported by many on Wednesday, with Spanish newspaper Marca noting that the two players have long shared a mutual respect despite a rivalry that has lasted more than 15 years.

Ronaldo and Messi have exchanged messages of admiration in recent years, including Ronaldo’s support after the death of Messi’s father earlier this year.

Messi announced his retirement from the national team in late August, after Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain.

He cited the emotional and physical strain of the tournament, which coincided with the illness and death of his father, Jorge Messi.

He ends his international career with 208 caps and 126 goals for Argentina, having captained the side to the 2022 World Cup title and Copa América success.

Both players remain active at club level, with Messi at Inter Miami and Ronaldo at Al-Nassr.